Change is now the norm. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by change. By the time you adjust to a change, another one is coming down the pipe. Learn to expect change and handle it with grace:
- Get your own head around the change. If you freak out, your direct reports probably will, too. Take time to process it yourself first.
- Get your team oriented to the change. Explain why the change is happening and the impact it will have on your team. Be upfront, but don’t badmouth the change. Be sure to use “we” and “us” instead of “they” and “them.”
- Implement the change. Share what the team will have to do differently and regularly ask for their input.
- Follow up with each team member individually. Be prepared for all types of reactions: everyone will process the change differently.
It’s natural to resist change. Just knowing that can help you and your team better embrace it when it happens.
About the Author
Leena Rinne is FranklinCovey's Vice President of Consulting. She is responsible for the management and development of the consultant team and the ongoing world class delivery of FranklinCovey programs and solutions. Leena is co-author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book, The 5 Choices: The Path to Extraordinary Productivity, and also co-authored the forthcoming book, Leading Customer Loyalty: Cracking the Code to Customer Devotion. Currently in her 14th year with FranklinCovey, Leena’s passion lies in supporting client to develop great leaders and create winning cultures.